Here is an overview of the most recent news regarding his trial:
1. The Verdict: Acquittal on Major Charges, Conviction on Lesser Counts
Sean Combs faced a federal criminal trial in New York, which wrapped up in July 2025. The jury delivered a mixed verdict:
Acquitted: Combs was found Not Guilty of the most serious charges:
Racketeering Conspiracy (could have led to life in prison).
Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion (relating to former girlfriend Cassie Ventura and another woman, "Jane").
Convicted: He was found Guilty on two counts of the federal Mann Act (Transportation to Engage in Prostitution). These charges stemmed from accusations that he transported individuals, including his former girlfriends, across state lines for the purpose of participating in sexual encounters, which witnesses described as "drug-fueled sexual marathons" or "freak-offs."
2. The Sentencing
Following his conviction, Combs was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian on Friday, October 3, 2025, in a lengthy, emotional hearing.
Sentence Imposed: 50 months (4 years and 2 months) in federal prison.
Credit for Time Served: Combs received credit for the 13 months he had been held in custody since his September 2024 arrest, meaning he is expected to serve approximately three more years in prison.
Additional Penalties: He was ordered to pay a $500,000 fine (the maximum allowed) and will face five years of supervised release after he completes his prison term.
Contrasting Recommendations:
Prosecutors had argued for a sentence of at least 11 years, citing his history of abuse and violence.
The Defense requested a maximum of 14 months, arguing that the time he had already served was sufficient and that he had used his time to achieve sobriety and remorse.
Judge's Stance: Judge Subramanian acknowledged Combs's community contributions but stressed that "a history of good works" does not excuse the harm caused. He told Combs directly that he had abused his ex-girlfriends "physically, emotionally, and psychologically" and that the sentence needed to be "meaningful" to protect the public and send a message of accountability to abusers.
3. Key Courtroom Moments
Combs's Apology: At the sentencing hearing, Combs broke down in tears, apologizing to the victims, his mother, and his children. He stated that his actions were "disgusting, shameful, and sick" and that his domestic violence would be a burden he would carry forever.
Victim Statements: Letters from victims, including Cassie Ventura and "Jane," were presented. Ventura dismissed Combs's claims of remorse, urging the judge to issue a sentence that reflected the strength it took for survivors to come forward.
Evidence Considered: Though acquitted of the sex trafficking and racketeering charges, the judge made it clear that the evidence presented during the trial—including testimony about physical abuse, coercion, and the widely publicized 2016 hotel surveillance footage of him attacking Ventura—was considered when determining the final sentence.
4. What Happens Next
Appeal Planned: Combs's defense attorneys immediately announced plans to appeal both the conviction and the sentence, arguing that the judge improperly factored in evidence of coercion when sentencing him on charges that did not explicitly contain that element.
Other Lawsuits Remain: The criminal case is separate from the numerous civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault, battery, and other misconduct that Combs currently faces. Though he previously settled a high-profile civil suit with Cassie Ventura in late 2023, many other civil cases are still active or in the planning stages.
